Renton will become a giant film studio from October 5-7, when filmmaking teams from throughout the region take part in the 5th Annual Renton FilmFrenzy 50-hour filmmaking competition. At least twenty-five filmmaking teams are expected to compete for $1,700 in cash prizes and the coveted Curvee Awards, which will be presented October 23 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. The Best Picture winner will also be screened at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) as a part of the Festival’s week-long program in Renton, May 17-23, 2013.

Renton FilmFrenzy filmmakers may enter their films in one of two divisions: Student Division (high school and below) and Open Division. There is a $50 entry fee for the Open Division and a $25 entry fees for student competitors.

Films can be up to four minutes in length and must be shot completely in Renton. All genres of film are welcome, although films must be appropriate for all audiences. The films will be judged by local filmmakers, representatives from film organizations including SIFF and a Renton Municipal Arts Commission member.

In addition to the Curvee Awards Gala, there will be a showing of all films at the Renton FilmFrenzy Screening on Monday, October 22, at the Renton Civic Theatre.

Registration opens for FilmFrenzy on September 1 and closes October 1. Full details, rules and applications are available at www.RentonFilmFrenzy.com.

The Renton FilmFrenzy, October 5-7

Competing filmmakers will have from 5 p.m. on Friday, October 5, through 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film. At the beginning of the competition, participating filmmakers will be provided with “CurveBall” Challenges, which could include incorporating a line of dialogue, a task and/or filming at a specific location in Renton.

The deadline to apply to participate for the Renton FilmFrenzy is 5 p.m., Monday, October 1. Visit www.RentonFilmFrenzy.com for application forms, rules and other information.

Renton FilmFrenzy Screening, October 22

“For the first time last year, we presented all submitted films during the FilmFrenzy Screening and it was a tremendous success,” commented Suzanne Dale Estey, Economic Development Director, City of Renton. “We had a full house in a cool, historic venue and the audience voted for their favorite film. The winning filmmakers received a special Curvee Award.”

This year’s FilmFrenzy Screening will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, October 22, at the Renton Civic Theatre, 507 South Third Street, in Downtown Renton.

Curvee Awards Gala, October 23

The top films produced during the competition will be screened in front of a live audience during the Fifth Annual Curvee Awards Gala at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 23.

Celebrating the slogan “Renton, Ahead of the Curve,” special “Curvee” awards will be crafted by local artisans and students for presentation to the award-winning filmmakers. In addition, the following cash prizes will be awarded during the Curvee Awards Gala:

Best Picture $500

Open Division First Prize $250 Second Prize $200 Third Prize $150

Student Division First Prize $250 Second Prize $200 Third Prize $150

Other Curvees will be presented for: Screenwriter’s Award Woman Filmmaker Best Actor Best Use of Renton Special Judges Award

Jim Dever from KING 5 Television will again emcee the Curvee Awards Gala.

People’s Choice Award

Thanks to the Renton Reporter (www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/), members of the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite Renton FilmFrenzy films. All films entered will be posted on the Renton Reporter website for viewing and voting after the Curvee Awards Gala. The winning film will receive a special “People’s Choice” Curvee award at a November Renton City Council meeting.

Sponsors

The Renton FilmFrenzy is sponsored by the Renton Community Marketing Campaign, which includes the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton School District, Valley Medical Center, Renton Technical College, Renton Visitors Connection and the City of Renton. The Renton Community Marketing Campaign was pleased to host the Seattle International Film Festival the past two years, as Renton continues to grow its thriving arts and culture, and film scene.

The Renton Community Marketing Campaign also sponsors the SIFF’s FutureWave program, which offers the region’s youth a direct link to SIFF Cinema, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the diverse local filmmaking community.